On 10 August 2013, Justin Bieber granted his 200th wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, becoming the first recording artist to reach that milestone. He met eight-year-old Annalysha Brown-Rafanan backstage at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. She received VIP treatment. According to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, “Bieber’s involvement with Make-A-Wish started in 2009 in Los Angeles when he granted his first wish. Since then, he has granted a wish at nearly every tour stop where he visits with wish kids and their families, takes photographs and signs autographs before they attend his concert. The tickets, which provide the wish kids and their families prime seating, are generously purchased by Bieber.” David Williams, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America said, “Despite his relentless schedule, Justin has been genuinely committed to granting wishes since the very beginning and a strong supporter of Make-A-Wish. Justin understands the impact on a child of a wish-come-true and how it can create positive changes in their outlook, help them feel better, and even influence their health.” Annalysha received the news on Christmas Day 2012 that she would meet Mr. Bieber on 10 August 2013. Her mother, Contrina Brown, said, “Justin Bieber makes her happy. And through all her illness and poking and all that, it just takes away from ‘I’m sick.’” Mr. Bieber tweeted to the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Twitter account, “This is what it is about. Thanks.” Annalysha asked Mr. Bieber many questions about such things as his favorite place to travel and his favorite song. She also asked him to marry her. Mr. Bieber said, “Yes.”

For Further Information: Rachel Maresca, “Justin Bieber breaks Make-A-Wish Foundation record with 200th wish after spending time with 8-year-old fan, accepting her proposal.” New York Daily News. 14 August 2013